As early as 1924 there was a real strong push for a Temple Band. $2000 (a huge sum at the time – the equivalent of over $30,000 in today’s dollars!) was set aside for uniforms and at a Maui ceremonial in March – along with the Patrol – the “Pote’s Band” made its maiden appearance. The following summer $1850 was voted for instruments and still another $500 for uniforms for additional bandsmen.
Then, off they went – again accompanied by the Patrol – to the Imperial Council Session (the Shriners National Convention) in Los Angeles in June of 1925 for their first mainland trip. This was followed in June of 1929 by a second mainland trip, again to Los Angeles, with the Band wearing uniforms bought with yet another $900 appropriated for the occasion.
There was a brief hiatus in the Band after the Great Depression, but it was reorganized in 1938, when they visited the Imperial Session once again. The band then was inactive for quite a while and reorganized in 1960 under the direction of Noble Stan Espedal, who remained as band Director for nearly two decades. The Band was active and performed regularly at Temple Meetings, Red Fez Luncheons, and all other Temple events.
In 1975 Noble Dave Kruswick, himself a talented trumpet player and musician, set in motion a program to recruit good musicians from within the Temple, and introduced a needed touch of professionalism. In addition, he made available to the Bandsmen a wide range of updated arrangements of musical scores, to include Dixieland and classics.
Today the Pote’s Band can be found practicing weekly in the basement of the Shriners Children’s Hawai`i in preparation for their next performance!
